Hey, we're
Maayan and Gal
Founders of Smoozitive!
Thirty-three (OMG!) years ago, we made our first move to a new country, not knowing where the journey would take us.
Eight relocations later (for each of us), we learned a thing or two; ok actually plenty! about moving abroad and living in a foreign country.
We did it the WRONG way; crying, anxious, feeling overwhelmed, miserable, frustrated, burned-out, stressed - you name it.
And we did it the RIGHT WAY! We understood the processes, cultivated a flexible mindset, approached the logistics right, feeling empowered, confident, good with our choice and all that we have to deal with.
Because let’s be real, living abroad isn’t always a piece of cake - but when you get the ingredients right - it is a real yummy cake!
Recently, we both relocated (separately, of course! We're sisters btw) to France. Maayan now lives here with her husband and two daughters, while Gal is flying solo for now (anyone got someone to introduce her?).
This time around, as you can imagine, we had our fair share of bumps in the road. Our journey involved packing, navigating administration, making new friends, opening bank accounts, putting the girls in school, and even trying our luck in the dating scene - the whole shebang! But through it all, we remained positive and kept things smooth - just like we want it to be for you.
We couldn’t keep all of our experiences to ourselves! Today, we're respected positive life abroad experts in the global relocation market, helping people from all over the world create a life they enjoy living, no matter where they are by combining expert knowledge and mindset work, all in a simplified way.
Since 2021, our mission is simple: to make life abroad better, simpler, smoother and more positive for as many expats as possible.
We figured if we could spare you some of the headaches and sleepless nights we've experienced ourselves,
well, that's a great place to start.
Did you know...?
Expat Burnout Is Real
with 70% of expats moving to Europe experiencing burnout and reporting high levels of stress and fatigue.
This is cause by uncertainty, permanent stress and mental exhaustion, which are very common among expats worldwide.
...as in 'smooth' and 'positive,' began in 2021, by focusing on something often overlooked in the relocation market - the way we approach and react to life abroad.
That’s Mindset.
We understand firsthand that our mindset, well-being and mental health are crucial for a successful life abroad. Over the years, we've worked with countless individuals helping them build resilience, raise their confidence, prepare for their move abroad, and cultivate a positive mindset to thrive in their new countries.
By the end of 2023, we realized mindset alone wasn’t enough.
We understand firsthand that the emotional and mental aspects are crucial for a successful relocation, yet they're often overlooked. So, we shed light on this and raised awareness of the matter.
We began by guiding and assisting women move abroad through online courses, coaching, and a supportive community. We've worked with hundreds of women, helping them build resilience, raise their confidence, and adopt a positive mindset to thrive in their new countries.
But inner-work alone isn't enough when it comes to living abroad. With this insight, we decided to expand Smoozitive into a platform that addresses the full range of expats' needs - logistical, social, emotional, and practical - before, during, and after relocation. Oh, and to both women and men!
That's how we came up with the idea for SYLA - Simplify Your Life Abroad, our mobile app for those moving and living abroad.
Our experience showed that the GAME CHANGER to create a POSITIVE life abroad comes from the combination of knowledge AND mindset.
For those just getting to know us...
- Smoozitive is a combination of SMOOTH & POSITIVE.
Plus, fun fact: for the past 20 years, we've called each other "Smoothy," so we couldn't think of a better name! - What Makes Us Dance? Receiving heartening texts from newly relocated expats ecstatic about their lives and decisions. Spreading joy and busting limiting beliefs about life abroad.
- Slightly obsessed with stationery! That's why we've crafted our own line of gratitude journals and notebooks, just because we adore using them.
- We believe life is about living! Everyone should create a life they enjoy, regardless of where they live or how long they stay.
We can't wait to show you what we mean...
"It’s only when all areas of your life work in harmony that you can achieve peace of mind and realize your dream of creating a life you enjoy living, no matter where you are."
- Maayan & Gal, Founders
Finalists of:
2024 Participant:
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A Little More About Us
Maayan Szmelcman Yerushalmy
Co-Founder, Mindfulness Practitioner
Maayan is the imaginative side of the business. After putting aside her successful graphic design business in Israel, she moved to France with her family, and opted to spend even more time with Gal in order to help others handle their expat journeys better, just as she did.
Maayan is an expert in expat mindset training, who blends her own life experience (relocated 7 times, and lived in many more cities) with her substantial yoga, energy healing, and mindfulness skills.
She has helped countless see the good in their life, make changes and feel better about themselves throughout the years.
Fun fact: she's the family's eldest sister, a mother of two, stands on her hands to relax, turns words that stress her out into songs, and her top character strength is Curiosity.
Gal Szmelcman-Sela
Co-Founder, Positive Psychology Coach
A few years ago, Gal decided to put aside her advertising and marketing career and devote her time and energy to helping others bloom and feel better. With a Master's degree in Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology, she guides her clients toward the life they desire for themselves.
She has lived in Israel, France, Ireland, the UK, and even spent some time in the USA. Her most recent move to France in 2020 provided an opportunity to focus her work on those living abroad, as she understands the challenges they face. Gal is an expert in cultivating a positive mindset and uplifting others.
Fun facts: she is the middle sibling, making her Maayan's younger sister; she's a shoe addict, an F1 car racing fan, dance her heart out when she's overwhelmed, and her top character strength is Hope.
Thanks for being here and allowing us to be part of your journey abroad. It's truly heartwarming.
Take a step toward the
simpler, smoother, and positive life abroad you want.
We'll show you how.
SYLA the #1 app for expats
Realize your dream of living a smooth and positive life abroad. SYLA combines expert knowledge and mindset work, all in a simplified way.
5 Life Abroad Hacks
We've carefully gathered together these five hacks (changed the lives of so many expats! us included) to infuse simplicity, joy, and efficiency into your expat journey.
Work with us 1:1
Transform your expat experience with personalized support. Gain clarity, confidence, and connection to your 'why' while navigating life's challenges abroad.
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Fed up with the junk mail? Us too! Get the real deal on life abroad delivered straight to your inbox. Expect high-vibes, encouragements, thought-provoking questions, practical steps, and savvy tips to help you create a smooth and positive life abroad — wherever that may be. You in?
We help expats create a positive life abroad by combining expert knowledge and mindset work, all in a simplified way.
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We help expats create a positive life abroad by combining expert knowledge and mindset work, all in a simplified way.
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© 2024 Smoozitive SAS. All rights reserved
© 2024 Smoozitive SAS. All rights reserved